Time bandits strike again
Hugger muggers use ‘lost’ ruse
A PAIR of notorious ‘hugger muggers’ working the Costa Blanca have again targeted victims claiming to be lost to get up close and steal valuables, particularly high-end watches.
The two women – both said to be of Eastern European appearance – operate close to the arterial N-332 and distract people by asking for help in finding a 'Calle Valencia'.
The Guardia Civil have warned of an epidemic of such thefts, saying the criminals operate close to the highway for a speedy getaway from the area. The criminals have become known as hugger muggers as they make an emotional plea for help while grabbing a wrist or embracing would be targets to remove valuables.
Earlier this month, CBNews reported how 'streetwise' Bob Dudden lashed out to foil the robbers and hang on to his €30,000 gold Rolex timepiece in a Calpe car park struggle.
Now a reader has told how she was targeted but managed to thwart the thieves in Teulada – however, a friend was not so lucky and lost his watch in Benissa.
Karina Woodford said she was attacked at the Sunday ‘rastro’ market in Teulada. “I was getting back in the car when there was a knock on the window – it was this woman, she was quite well-dressed, but was holding a rather grubby piece of paper with the Calle Valencia address on it.
“I opened the door and got out and she grabbed the door. I said in Spanish ‘I don’t know where it is’; I think she was surprised I spoke Spanish, she claimed to be a masseuse but she wouldn’t let go of the door,” said Karina.
Panic
“She was so strong, I looked over and saw another girl waiting...I just panicked. I do Tai Chi but could I remember the moves?
“Someone was walking by, so I just shouted ‘hi... hello’ and waved – the two women thought I had called a friend and just ran.”
Karina said it was only when she read Bob’s story earlier his month she realised it was the same pair of robbers using the same tactics.
However, she said a German friend Johannes was not so lucky when he was approached outside a chemist shop in Benissa.
“A girl went up to him and asked for help finding an address – he said he didn’t know where it was; she then hugged him – his wallet was secure in his back pocket,” said Karina.
“It was only when he got home he realised his Rolex had gone. He is not stupid and went back to the shop, it is a new business and has CCTV.
“It was all on film and he alerted the police, I am not sure what has happened since.”